THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our
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THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our interdependence and use our diversity and different gifts to enrich the whole.

For more information or to become a member, email ioniacountypeace@gmail.com, call 616-527-7163 or like us on Facebook. Visit our website at ioniacountypeacecommunity.org.

"No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." — Amelia Earhart

Children are born to be kind. They come into this world with a built in desire to be kind. Their potential is unlimited. What makes a difference in the child's life are the examples that are provided in the home where they are raised. A child who is nurtured and loved while being surrounded with people who treat each other with dignity and respect will become a loving and kind person. These children grow to face the world with a respect for others and a kindness for fellow man.

We all know people like this. The love and kindness that they show is genuine. They make you feel good about yourself and your world. Then hopefully, you will spread that kindness to others.

I have tried to surround myself with kind people. It is a conscientious effort on my part to have people in my world that treat me with dignity and respect as well as kindness. They also treat others in that same way. Therefore, my days are spent with joy and happiness.

I do realize that if you are still working, this may not be an easy task for you, since you don't always have a choice of the people in your work life. But you do have choices in your social life and at least you can surround yourself with kind and loving people during the rest of your day. Who knows, their love may be just the thing you need to get you through the day in your unhappy work place!

Shalom,

Karen Merchant

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KAREN MERCHANT retired in 2005 after 30 years as a teacher at Palo Community Schools. She now fills her time with volunteering for many organizations. Karen has been a member of the Ionia County Peace Community since its inception.